5/16/2007 - An International Thank You
by Ontin Fatmakartika, Indonesia 06-07, hosted in Williamson, PA
This is the thank you letter that I’ve sent to two local newspapers, the Mercersburg Journal and the Public Opinion. The Mercersburg Journal has published me many times, including pictures of my bell choir show & prom, honor roll lists, and a profile. thank you to MariAnn for the opportunity!!
My name is Ontin Fatmakartika and I’m an Indonesian exchange student sponsored by PAX - Program of Academic Exchange. I arrived in Williamson last August, and have been staying with the Peterson family and attending James Buchanan High School.
As the school year will soon be over, I will return home to Indonesia. I am writing to you to express my thanks to everyone here who helped to make my experience so great. First and foremost, thanks must go to my generous, warmhearted hosts, Nora and Ron Peterson, who opened their home to me. They made me feel like their real daughter this past year, and to them I will always be grateful. They are such an amazing family. However far away, we know that our bond will last forever. I also thank the Clines in St. Thomas and the Winns in Greencastle who shared their wonderful life with me, even though I didn’t live in their houses. The merrier, the happier!
Thanks, too, to everyone at James Buchanan High School, especially Principal Benedict and all of my teachers, students, and faculty who have helped me so much throughout the year. My school has given me more knowledge about American life and I found many best friends who showed me the spirit of young Americans. Go Rockets!
I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank my PAX Community Coordinator, Mrs. Laura Puckett, who arranged my placement here, finding my great host family and high school for me. Finally, I’d like to thank the people of Williamson; Angel Hand bell choir show in Lutheran Church, Mercersburg, and people of Christian Life Church Chambersburg, who welcomed me into the community, showed great interest and curiosity about me and my country, Indonesia, and did their best to make me feel at home away from home. This letter is not enough to compliment all the things that you have done. Thank you so much for everything.
I hope other exchange students will have the opportunity I had here in Williamson. You are very special people and I will always remember you as my precious treasure.
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